https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap:2008157
Estimation of polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent loss in a cascade of optical components
Corning SA, Fontainebleau Research Center, 7 bis avenue de Valvins,
77210 Avon, France
Corresponding author: ossikovs@poly.polytechnique.fr
Received:
5
June
2008
Accepted:
25
July
2008
Published online:
19
September
2008
A general vector approach to the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) and polarization dependent loss (PDL) calculation in a cascade of optical components with each component having both PMD and PDL is presented. By using the formalism, the PMD-PDL coupling effect is quantitatively described and its implications are discussed. In particular, it is shown that the presence of PDL in the components is a second-order effect in the PMD of the cascade. As an illustration of the formalism, a statistical estimation of PMD and PDL in a practical optical device is performed. The accuracy and the computational advantage of the vector approach are demonstrated.
PACS: 42.25.Ja – Polarization / 42.81.Gs – Birefringence, polarization / 42.79.Sz – Optical communication systems, multiplexers, and demultiplexers / 42.15.Eq – Optical system design
© EDP Sciences, 2008
